The Mississippi Digital Library is currently accepting applications for the position of Mississippi Digital Library Coordinator.

Review of applications is ongoing and will continue until position is filled.

 

Job Summary

The MDL Coordinator is responsible for the curation, management, and promotion of MDL collections, ensuring the accessibility and discoverability of valuable cultural and historical resources. The coordinator collaborates with partner institutions, contributes to digitization efforts, manages metadata, and contributes to the overall growth and impact of the MDL.

This position is based at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

For more information about the position and to apply:   https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=3485&site=1

Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Elizabeth La Beaud, Head of Library Technology and Director of Mississippi Digital Library, at [log in to unmask].

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Partnership Development: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with libraries, museums, historical societies, and cultural institutions across Mississippi. Collaborate on joint initiatives, foster knowledge sharing, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Facilitate the growth of the MDL through outreach, presentations, and engagement with potential partners.

Digitization and Curation: Collaborate with partner institutions to coordinate digitization efforts and implement best practices. Curate and manage digital collections, ensuring high-quality and consistent metadata standards. Collaborate with USM’s Metadata Coordinator and partners to enhance metadata quality and consistency across collections. Stay abreast of metadata trends and evolving standards to ensure compliance.

Project Management: Coordinate and manage digital projects, ensuring adherence to project timelines, budgets, and deliverables. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project goals and ensure successful outcomes. Effectively communicate project updates and progress to team members and stakeholders. Participate in professional development and department initiatives.

Promotion and Outreach: Develop and implement strategies to promote the MDL, its digital collections, and services. Contribute to marketing efforts, including managing website content, social media engagement, and public presentations. Participate in professional conferences and events to showcase MDL’s contributions to the field.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Library & Information Science or a related field; or one to two years of experience in website design and maintenance or related field.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Ability to travel and complete overnight stays.

Ability to distinguish between colors.

Ability to handle multiple assignments and projects effectively.

Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly.

 

Preferred Qualifications  

Experience in digitization, digital curation, and metadata management. Knowledge of best practices and standards in digital libraries and cultural heritage preservation. Familiarity with digital asset management systems and metadata schema (e.g., Dublin Core, MODS, METS).
Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
Knowledge of Mississippi's cultural heritage and history. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in cultural heritage institutions.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others.  USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.

About Hattiesburg
Home to The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg blends a college town atmosphere with an entertainment district downtown and numerous outdoor opportunities. This diverse community offers a unique cultural and intellectual atmosphere, with many options to engage in stimulating activities and events, including college sports, the performing arts, and cultural venues. Dining opportunities abound, particularly local flavors such as New Orleans-style seafood, fried catfish, and barbecue.

 

The city has been recognized by numerous publications and rankings as a retirement destination because of the area’s amenities, low cost of living, and strong healthcare services. In 2022, Travel + Leisure magazine recognized Hattiesburg as a leader in public art for its growing list of over 40 public art installations. Did we mention that the beach is an hour away, and New Orleans and Mobile are each just over 90 minutes from Hattiesburg? There are also five airports and an Amtrak station nearby that make travel easy. To learn more about what Hattiesburg has to offer, go to visithburg.org.

 

 

Elizabeth La Beaud

Head of Library Technology, The University of Southern Mississippi

Director, Mississippi Digital Library

[log in to unmask]